Beneficial Method Research Articles

Plastic Waste Management Strategies and Their Environmental Aspects: A Scientometric Analysis and Comprehensive Review.

Plastic consumption increases with the growing population worldwide and results in increased quantities of plastic waste. There are various plastic waste management strategies; however, the present management progress is not sustainable, and plastic waste dumping in landfills is still the most commonly employed strategy. Being nonbiodegradable, plastic waste dumping in landfills creates several environmental and human health problems. Numerous research studies have been conducted recently to determine safe and ecologically beneficial methods of plastic waste handling. This article performed a bibliographic analysis of the available literature on plastic waste management using a computational approach. The highly used keywords, most frequently cited papers and authors, actively participating countries, and sources of publications were analyzed during the bibliographic analysis. In addition, the various plastic waste management strategies and their environmental benefits have been discussed. It has been concluded that among the six plastic waste management techniques (landfills, recycling, pyrolysis, liquefaction, road construction and tar, and concrete production), road construction and tar and concrete production are the two most effective strategies. This is due to significant benefits, such as ease of localization, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and increased durability and sustainability of manufactured materials, structures, and roadways. Conversely, using landfills is the most undesirable strategy because of the associated environmental and human health concerns. Recycling has equal benefits and drawbacks. In comparison, pyrolysis and liquefaction are favorable due to the production of char and fuel, but high energy requirements limit their benefits. Hence, the use of plastic waste for construction applications is recommended.

Comparison of 3D printed anatomical model qualities in acetabular fracture representation.

BackgroundAcetabular fractures account for 10% of pelvis injuries, which are especially difficult to treat in developing countries with less access to resources. 3D printing has previously been shown to be a beneficial method of surgical planning, however the steep initial costs associated with purchasing a 3D printer may prevent some facilities form utilizing this technique. The purpose of this study was to develop 3D printed models for acetabular surgery using methodologies of varying cost to determine differences in model accuracy and overall quality.MethodsFive acetabular fracture models were developed from de-identified CT data using (I) proprietary and open-source segmentation software and (II) fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing methods. The distance between the posterior inferior iliac spine (PIIS) and the ischial spine as well as a unique fracture fragment for each model was compared between the different printing methodologies. The models were then given to 5 physicians and assessed on their overall accuracy compared to traditional 2D images.ResultsPrinting methodology did not affect the distance from PIIS to ischial spine (P=0.263). However, fracture fragment representation differed across 3D printed models, with the most accurate model produced by the high-end resin-based printer (P=0.007). The survey analysis showed that the low-cost printing methods produced models that were not as accurate in their representation of the fractured region (P=0.008).ConclusionsThe differences between models developed using traditional methods and low-cost methods have slight differences but may still provide useful information when developing a surgical plan.

Method of quasi-distributed interface fiber Bragg gratings monitoring dry band arc on the moist pollution layer of composite insulators

Arc discharge on the insulator surface poses a threat to the safe operation of electrical power system. However, effective monitoring technology for arc discharge is lacking. In this paper, a 10 kV composite insulator with 3 × 4 quasi-distributed fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded at the insulator core-housing interface was developed to monitor dry band arc on the moist pollution layer. The temperature coefficient of interface FBGs was obtained by the temperature calibration test. The interface temperature variation exposed to the instantaneous arc with arc duration of 67 ms and the short-lived arc with arc duration of 2.1 s was observed. Results show that owing to the occurrence of short-lived arc, a new phenomenon was observed: interface temperature drops sharply first, then increases rapidly. Three criteria of ED (Euclidean Distance, i.e. the measuring standard for the otherness of interface temperature of different axial positions), the sharp drop of interface temperature and interface temperature rise are proposed to monitor dry band arc. Based on the three criteria, interface FBGs can effectively monitor the instantaneous arc and the short-lived arc. This paper provides a beneficial method for discharge monitoring and flashover warning of composite insulators.

Impact of meditation on mental & physical health and thereby on academic performance of students: a study of higher educational institutions of Uttarakhand

Background and Purpose finding out why people choose to engage in mindfulness-based practises can help in the development of effective health promotion outreach efforts. The impact of health attitudes and perceived stress on the intention to practise mindfulness meditation among undergraduate college students in Uttarakhand was studied in this study. Experimental Approach the research is descriptive in nature based upon primary data. A total of 15 aspects have been studied to assess the impact of meditation on mental & emotional state, physical & psychological wellbeing and academic performance of students. For collection of data, convenience sampling technique has been used. Data has been collected via mail survey using questionnaire technique. Descriptive analysis has been conducted to fulfil the objective of the study, where SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Key results indicate that meditation has a positive impact on improving mental & emotional state of students, at the same time it leads to better physical and psychological health. As a result of this, the academic performance of students also enhances, where they are able to perform better in their academics. Conclusion and Implications meditation is a beneficial method to reduce stress and boost creativity. It also promotes physical stamina to battle sickness. It also led to the improved academic performance of students; their confidence level, concentration level, memory power, focus, study ability and other related aspects were improved following meditation and mindfulness activities. Keywords: Meditation, Mindfulness-based practices, Mental & emotional state, Physical & psychological well-being, Academic performance.

A Prospective Study Comparing 0.25% Bupivacaine and 0.375% Ropivacaine in Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery

Transversus abdominis plane block is a beneficial method of pain relief after abdominal surgeries. In the recent past, there had been an increased use of TAP block in laparoscopic surgeries, both as intraoperative and postoperative source of pain relief.
 Aim: The aim of this study was to compare equipotent doses of two commonly used local anesthetic drugs with respect to efficacy and duration.
 Methods: Sixty adults undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries were randomised to receive ultrasound-guided TAP block at the end of the surgical procedure with either 0.25% bupivacaine (Group I, n = 30) or 0.375% ropivacaine (Group II, n = 30). And these patients were analysed based on the quality and duration of pain relief, 24 hour mean rescue analgesic consumption and complications.
 Results: Patients receiving TAPB with ropivacaine and bupivacaine did not have significant differences between the two with respect to the parameters studied.
 Conclusion: Equipotent doses of ropivacaine and bupivacaine were almost indistinguishable in TAP block and were comparable in terms of duration of analgesia, quality in terms of VAS scores and 24 hours analgesic consumption without any drug related or block related complications. Although both the drugs are in par with each other, bupivacaine carries the risk of cardiotoxicity as quoted in previous studies. Hence, ropivacaine may be considered as a better alternative to bupivacaine in TAP block.

Theories of Blended Learning: A Novel Approach to Tertiary Neuroanatomy

Anatomical dissections and prosected cadaveric specimens are currently believed to be the most beneficial delivery method for tertiary anatomy education. However, there is increasing demand within the tertiary medical education community for alternative delivery methods to complement current teaching practices, particularly in the complex field of neuroanatomy. To ensure that students learning of neuroanatomy is effective, it is necessary to take an evidenced-based approach. Therefore, this review will compare and contrast the different factors involved in learning neuroanatomy and the different modalities that can be used to teach this complex topic. Further, this review will also highlight the differences between individual and mixed-model delivery systems, which may influence the current pedagogies surrounding tertiary neuroanatomy in the dynamic educational setting.

Theories of Blended Learning: A Novel Approach to Tertiary Neuroanatomy

Anatomical dissections and prosected cadaveric specimens are currently believed to be the most beneficial delivery method for tertiary anatomy education. However, there is increasing demand within the tertiary medical education community for alternative delivery methods to complement current teaching practices, particularly in the complex field of neuroanatomy. To ensure that students learning of neuroanatomy is effective, it is necessary to take an evidenced-based approach. Therefore, this review will compare and contrast the different factors involved in learning neuroanatomy and the different modalities that can be used to teach this complex topic. Further, this review will also highlight the differences between individual and mixed-model delivery systems, which may influence the current pedagogies surrounding tertiary neuroanatomy in the dynamic educational setting.

Monte Carlo Code Calculation for the Characterization of 10nm Nano-Layers Coated 50nm 90Y Radionuclide Nanospheres Radiation in the Liver Radionuclide Therapy

Purpose: Cancer radionuclide therapy is an effective, beneficial, and crucial method of cancer treatment that uses unsealed radioactivated radionuclides sources that are attached to a targeting vector to deliver therapeutic radiation doses from the ionizing radiation source to specific disease sites either for curative intent or for disease control and palliation for the patient pain decreasing. For this aim, Monte Carlo N–Particle 5 (MCNP5) MC computational code was employed for simulations and calculations as well as radiation transport. Materials and Methods: 50nm 90Y radionuclide nanosphere was modelled coated by a 10nm coating layer with some non-toxic high and low Z materials. Physical interactions, such as β-ray and the simulated coating materials were studied and radiological parameters were scored by the used MC code. Attenuation of β-ray, and production of the bremsstrahlung X-ray photons and other phenomena were simulated by the code and analyzed. MC code estimated the effect of the simulated coating materials, such as Gold, Platinum, Gaddolonium, Silver, and Epoxy-Resin on the radiation characteristics around the modelled nano-radionuclide per 2nm from the radiation source surface to 1µm distance. Produced bremsstrahlung X-ray by the source coating material and tissue atoms, emitted β-particle number, flux over the surfaces (per 2nm), radiation fluence of photon and β- ray, deposited energy per gr of the cell medium, and average dose to the cells around the 500nm and 1µm distance from the radionuclide source surface also was derived. Results: Our results showed that coating the radionuclide with the materials especially high Z (Gold and Platinum) materials may produce a dual emitter radiation source, X-ray photon and β- ray and is capable of killing the cancer cells more than the source with not-coated source. Conclusion: Our conclusion was that coating the β- ray emitter radionuclides, especially high-energy β- ray, enhances its therapeutical capability with X-ray and β- ray emission. The studied coated sources in our study were performed as a dual radiation source; produced X-ray and β-ray, which increases the therapeutic efficiency of the source.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of the Pressure Drop of an Iso-Thermal and Turbulent Upward Bubbly Flow Through a Vertical Pipeline Using Population Balance Modeling Approach

Abstract A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the two-phase flow is presented to simulate isothermal, turbulent, upward bubbly flow in a pipeline for the purpose of forecasting a mean pressure reduction along the pipe (a three-dimensional (3D) multiphase flow, by Eulerian–Eulerian strategy combined with population balance model (PBM)). A set of experimental data from the literature for water (liquid) and air (gas) in an isothermal pipe is used where the internal diameter of which is 200 mm; it tends to analyze radial void fraction and bubble diameter distributions as well as the axial pressure distribution of fluid flow. The CFD model is applied to grids of minimum control volumes. The interfacial forces, including nondrag and drag forces, where the former can be categorized into turbulent scattering, lift, and wall lubrication, have been noticed in simulations. The comparison between CFD forecasts with experimental data demonstrates that the coring phenomena plus observed wall peaking could be predicted with this CFD-PBM modeling approach. The primary aim of this study was to anticipate the axial pressure distribution of bubbly flow in the pipe by CFD modeling in a large vertical pipe. Acceptable agreement between models predictions and experimental data indicates that CFD can be a beneficial method for investigating pressure drop of an upward and multiphase flow.

Microscopic liberation mechanisms of oolitic iron ore under microwave irradiation and optimization of irradiation parameters

Microwave liberation is a promising method for beneficiation of oolitic hematite but has not been used in industrial production. This is because the specific microwave energy requirements for iron ore applications is prohibitively high and there is a lack of quantitative references for microwave irradiation parameters. The cracking process of oolitic hematite under microwave irradiation is simulated using the discrete element method. Temperature field, force chain and cracking development during microwave irradiation are analysed, accordingly, the microscopic mechanisms are discussed. The results indicate that: the hematite ring is under compression and the quartz ring is under tension along the radius under microwave irradiation; radial cracking initiate on the edge prior to circular cracking along mineral boundary; location of circular cracks corresponds well to the position where the maximum temperature gradient occur; there is an optimal power density under given energy consumption and an optimal irradiation time under given power density for microwave liberation.

Seed priming improved salt-stressed sorghum growth by enhancing antioxidative defense.

Seed priming is regarded as a beneficial and effective method enhancing performance of plants grown under stress conditions. This study illustrated the effect of four seed priming agents (2% H2O2, 52 mM NaCl, 50 mM KCl, 250 mM MgSO4) on two sorghum cultivars (Canada sorghum CFSH-30 and sorghum ‘1230’) grown in saline soils. Sorghum growth characteristics and biochemical parameters were investigated. Seed priming treatments alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress by decreasing MDA content and enhancing antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD and SOD) activities and proline content, and hence increased sorghum fresh and dry weight. In terms of various parameters, sorghum ‘1230’ was more suitable to be grown in saline soil, and 52 mM NaCl and 50 mM KCl were the optimum priming agents to improve the performance of salt-stressed sorghum.

Multifunctional photo‐electrocatalysts of copper sulfides prepared via pulsed laser ablation in liquid: Phase formation kinetics and photo‐electrocatalytic activity

Designing a highly efficient and less expensive electrocatalyst for electrolyzers and fuel cells is of great importance to creating a sustainable future energy source. Herein, we applied a unique and extremely facile pulsed laser ablation in the liquid synthesis route for the fabrication of phase-engineered CuxSy nanospheres. The multifunctionality of these catalysts was assessed by examining the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). As a result, low overpotentials of 390 mV (HER) and 440 mV (OER) were achieved for sulfur-rich and copper-rich samples in alkaline media, respectively. Furthermore, the high selectivity of Cu over methanol and the high number of electrochemically accessible active sites equal to 7.9 × 1016 promoted the MOR with a current density of 28.3 mA/cm2 at the vertex potential. It is worth emphasizing that in this research, we consider the electrocatalyst's initial electrocatalytic water decomposition function to gain a better understanding of the photoelectrocatalytic behavior. Using a beneficial photo-assisted electrochemical method, a high OER catalytic activity was obtained under light irradiation due to the large light absorption coefficients of the synthesized electrocatalysts, which facilitated electron transfer at the electrode-electrolyte interface.

An Assessment of Alternate Fertilizer Potential of Glauconite Deposits in India using Simple Beneficiation Methods

Abstract This study presents an assessment of alternate fertilizer potential of glauconite deposits in India with precise stratigraphy, dimension of the deposit, and its K2O contents for understanding their alternate potash fertilizer potential. Further, it provides simple beneficiation methods to separate glauconite from the rest of the sediments. Many of the glauconite deposits, particularly those of Precambrian age, are considerably thick and are laterally extensive. Although the content of K2O is low in the bulk rock, it is moderate to high in the glauconites. The glauconite content of the original deposits is low, mostly in the range of 10 to 20 wt%. Inexpensive and simple methods such as sieving and electromagnetic separation enhance the glauconite content up to 57 wt% in selected samples. This study is crucial for planning alternatives of conventional potash fertilizer, which are expected to be exhausted in the near future.

The Impact of Problem Gambling on Families and Relationship Partners: A Scoping Literature Review

It has been determined that family members and relationship partners of persons with gambling disorders face a variety of problems. Since their problems have not yet been summarized in the literature, we conducted a scoping review to address this issue, and focused on the studies of problems faced by family members and partners of those with gambling disorders and studies on the effects of gambling problems on family members and partners. We searched electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, and MEDLINE) and the reference lists of included studies published up to February 15, 2021 and extracted 2,760 studies. These studies were examined for eligibility, and yielded 101 items that met our predefined criteria, all of which were reviewed. Overall, this review found that (1) the presence of gamblers in families was related to increased gambling or other addiction related behaviors among family members; (2) a variety of intra-family conflicts were likely to arise between gamblers and their families and partners; (3) the presence of gamblers in families increased the risk of violence and abuse for family members, partners, and gamblers themselves; and (4) gambling problems generated a variety of physical and mental health problems in gamblers’ families as well as among others in their proximity. In the future, it will be important to establish beneficial support and treatment methods by using the difficulties identified by this review as outcomes in the treatment of gamblers, along with their families and partners.

The concentration of rare earth elements from coal fly ash

Recently, coal fly ash has become a potential candidate as a secondary resource of rare earth elements (REE). In this investigation, we studied the recovery of REE from fly ash from a commercial power plant. The specific aim was to assess the technical feasibility of recovering REE from the coal fly ash using conventional preconcentration methods, including gravity separation, magnetic separation, and froth flotation. The experimental results revealed that flotation achieved major gains in REE recovery and upgrading. However, during gravity and wet magnetic separation tests, the bulk of REE reported to the tailings. The results showed significant variations in the performance of the various beneficiation methods investigated. This study has confirmed that existing physical separation methods could be used to recover REE from coal fly ash prior to hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processing, although some challenges persist.

The characterization of Streptomyces alfalfae strain 11F and its effect on seed germination and growth promotion in switchgrass

As an important bioenergy crop, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) can produce high biomass yield. However, its biomass yield could be further increased by using beneficial microbe inoculation methods. In this study, a plant beneficial symbiotic microbe strain 11F was isolated and identified as Streptomyces alfalfae, which can produce IAA and siderophore. It is also known to have phosphate-solubilizing and N2 fixing abilities. In addition, the promoting effects of strain 11F on seed germination and plant growth were evaluated. The results indicated that seeds treated with 11F showed higher germination rates, which observed an increase of 21.9%. Compared with the control, the switchgrass plants treated with strain 11F were found to have longer leaf lengths; greater plant heights, shoot fresh weights and root fresh weights; longer overall total lengths; and larger total plant root surface areas, which were significantly increased, by 30.7%, 25.8%, 49.5%, 42.9%, 39.3%, and 44.8%, respectively. Moreover, an egfp-tagged 11F strain was constructed and the mycelium of the 11F strain was observed on the surfaces of the switchgrass root hairs. The colonization dynamics of the egfp-tagged 11F strain to the rhizosphere soil of the switchgrass showed that it remained stable up to 30 days at 2.65 × 105 CFU g−1 dry weight from the initial inoculums. All of the aforementioned observational results suggest the potential of the S. alfalfae 11F strain in improving establishment and biomass yield of switchgrass.

Release strategies and ecological factors influence mitigation translocation outcomes for burrowing owls: a comparative evaluation

AbstractMitigation translocations are increasing and if they are to fulfill their regulatory intent, the application of best‐practice principles to release strategy and monitoring is required. With an investment of 3 years, we engaged with stakeholders, including developers, to improve outcomes from mitigation translocations of an at‐risk species, the western burrowing owl Athene cunicularia hypugaea (BUOW). We evaluated the consequences of two primary translocation methods, displacement (i.e. exclusion from burrow) and translocation, against control owls, using a suite of success metrics focused on dispersal, survival and reproduction. We also tested the provision of visual and acoustic conspecific cues to dampen dispersal away from release sites. Within the displaced group, BUOW settled closer to the origin site if burrows were available nearby. Although translocated BUOW dispersed farther from the release site than displaced BUOW, this difference disappeared when conspecific cues were present. BUOW were 20 times more likely to settle at the release site when conspecifics or their cues were present. Translocating animals over longer distances (>17.5 km) reduced the incidence of BUOW returning to the origin site. When avoiding direct impacts to BUOW is not feasible, a determination of the most beneficial translocation method must be made, driven by site‐specific conditions and the feasibility of implementing best management practices. The known costs of translocation to survival may be offset by long‐term advantages such as the establishment of breeding populations inside protected areas. Mitigation translocations can benefit from carefully devised and tested hypotheses to determine what works and what does not; we advocate the increased use of evidence in mitigation translocation to guide management decisions and policies.

The Effect of Calligraphy as an Art Therapy Intervention Containing Religious Motifs, on the Anxiety and Depression in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients.

This research was conducted to determine the effect of calligraphy on the anxiety and depression levels of adolescent psychiatric patients. It was conducted with adolescent psychiatric patients ages 14-17 in Turkey's Eastern Anatolia Region. They were allocated a calligraphy (n = 40) or a wait-list (n = 39) group. Those in the calligraphy group participated in 60-min calligraphy sessions for three weeks. The state anxiety levels of adolescents who applied calligraphy decreased gradually when compared with adolescents in the control group. The difference between the third-week mean post-test state anxiety scores of the adolescents in the calligraphy and control groups was significant (t = 2.34, p = .02). The trait anxiety scale and depression scale mean post-test scores of the adolescents in the calligraphy group were lower than in the control group. The difference between two groups was significant. Calligraphy can be potentially used as a beneficial method for reducing anxiety and depression.

Target enrichment long-read sequencing with adaptive sampling can determine the structure of the small supernumerary marker chromosomes.

Structural analysis of small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) has revealed that many have complex structures. Structural analysis of sSMCs by whole genome sequencing using short-read sequencers is challenging however because most present with a low level of mosaicism and consist of a small region of the involved chromosome. In this present study, we applied adaptive sampling using nanopore long-read sequencing technology to enrich the target region and thereby attempted to determine the structure of two sSMCs with complex structural rearrangements previously revealed by cytogenetic microarray. In adaptive sampling, simple specification of the target region in the FASTA file enables to identify whether or not the sequencing DNA is included in the target, thus promoting efficient long-read sequencing. To evaluate the target enrichment efficiency, we performed conventional pair-end short-read sequencing in parallel. Sequencing with adaptive sampling achieved a target enrichment at about a 11.0- to 11.5-fold higher coverage rate than conventional pair-end sequencing. This enabled us to quickly identify all breakpoint junctions and determine the exact sSMC structure as a ring chromosome. In addition to the microhomology and microinsertion at the junctions, we identified inverted repeat structure in both sSMCs, suggesting the common generation mechanism involving replication impairment. Adaptive sampling is thus an easy and beneficial method of determining the structures of complex chromosomal rearrangements.

Telemedicine for Patients with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Literature Review on Applications and Outcomes

Context: Schizophrenia is one of the most severe mental disorders that affect all aspects of a patient's lives. Telemedicine can be helpful for this population. Objectives: This study aimed to review the studies for investigating the applications and outcomes of telemedicine in providing healthcare services for patients with schizophrenia. Evidence Acquisition: We searched PubMed and Scopus databases to find relevant studies in July 2020. The combination of two “Schizophrenia” AND “Telemedicine” keywords were used to search databases. Original observational and interventional studies, which have used a telemedicine service in schizophrenia disease, were included in this review. Results: Of 309 gathered studies, 26 studies were entered into this research. The synchronous modality (58%) and videoconference communication (38.5%) were used in most studies. Most studies (84.5%) have shown that telemedicine was a beneficial method. More than half of the studies (58%) had therapeutic goals. The rest of the studies were for diagnostic (19%), educational (11.5%), and both therapeutic and educational (11.5%) purposes. Only one study (4%) showed that telemedicine was not cost-effective. In nine studies (34.5%), users were satisfied with the use of telemedicine services. Conclusions: Telemedicine is a useful method for the management of patients with schizophrenia, especially to improve treatment adherence and prevent relapse. It would be better to pay more attention to the educational issues because of the positive impact on adherence to treatment and prevent relapse.